Single pickup truck crash claims life of Coldwater man

UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an early Friday afternoon fatal traffic accident that took the life of a Coldwater man. The pickup truck crash happened shortly before 1PM on Union City Road near Maiden Lane in Union Township.  A news release said when deputies arrived, Union City firefighters were already on the job, locating the pickup that had struck a tree. The driver was unresponsive and not breathing. CPR was started with the assistance of Lifecare Ambulance but despite their efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was identified as 79-year old John Carl Strassburger. The preliminary report from the Sheriff’s Department indicates the vehicle drove right off the roadway and into the tree and that Strassburger, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was possibly having a medical issue. Deputies were also assisted by Michigan State Police.